SpaceX limits Starlink speed for Kyiv during conflict

SpaceX introduced a speed limit for Starlink terminals in motion, according to Presidential Adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov. The limit applied to military‑grade Starlink above 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). The restriction was not announced to Ukraine’s defense forces, according to Beskrestnov.

Ukrainian troops reported that the connection dropped for 10–20 seconds at speeds of 110–120 km/h, according to a Rapid Reaction Corps representative. The drops made drone control harder, according to the same representative.

Elon Musk said that limits on speed or usage are decided by the US military and the president, according to his X post. The post was a response to a statement from Ukraine’s former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

David Galbreath of the University of Bath said throttling was expected after Musk condemned Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian data centres, according to France 24. The statement reflected concerns about the impact of private satellite services on combat operations.

Ukraine relies on Starlink for drone operations and communications, according to sources. The service provides resistance to electronic jamming, making it useful for long‑range attacks and supply drops.